Tracking the West Nile Virus

Mosquito season is rapidly approaching, and state officials are already on the look-out for the West Nile Virus

The virus was found in 36 Wisconsin counties in 2007, with most of those cases the result of dead birds testing positive for West Nile. Diep Johnson, with the State Division of Public Health , says officials confirmed 11 human cases, 47 in birds, and 17 positive horses.

To help track the spread of the virus in the state, officials have established a "dead bird" hotline. Residents can call in and report birds that may have died from the virus, then send them in for lab testing.

Johnson says the hotline helps officials target areas where the virus risk is higher. Health officials can then provide the public with information to help them avoid contracting the illness.